Increasingly in working to assist our clients with the best of mental health, we selectively invite people to also enjoy a consultation with our “Food Coach”. The physical health and vitality benefits of learning to choose a better diet are of course obvious to most people. However, some of us are less aware of how much the psychological happiness, stability of moods and positive motivational aspects of our lives are shaped by the right types of foods we regularly choose to digest.

[bctt tweet="So Spring into fresh in-season produce to nurture your body and your mind !"]

Living in Queensland means that we have a fantastic variety most of the year of many varieties of both fruits and vegetables.

Did you know?

Fruits and vegetables start to lose nutrients immediately after they are harvested, so the freshest produce is the best produce. It also tastes better and is better for the environment.

So it makes sense to shop for in-season foods for you and your family, the other benefit is that it will be cheaper when in season. We have all seen the prices of fruit and vegetables fluctuate throughout the year, so buying when bountiful will give you the freshest, tastiest, most nutritious and leave you with money in your pocket. It is often quicker too if you are in the supermarket you will notice that most “specials” (in season) are grouped together at the front of the store.

Did you know?

Frozen peas will often have a higher nutritional value than the fresh peas in the supermarket.

When you shop for fresh fruit and vegetables ask:

Where the produce has come from?
Is it local?
How far has it travelled to be in store?

Farmers markets are a great shopping alternative as produce is picked fresh by the farmer and sold directly to the consumer (no sitting on the supermarket shelves for days after days of travel to first the warehouse then to the store).

So what’s in/or coming into season NOW?

Apples, citrus fruits, papaya, paw paw, pineapple, avocado, tomatoes, silverbeet, spinach, artichokes, bok choy, asparagus, green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, leek, pumpkin, beetroot.

Spring Salsa Recipe

Chop: avocado, tomatoes, finely chopped red onion or shallots, squeeze of lime or lemon, fresh herbs if you have some (basil, coriander or parsley). Salt and pepper to taste.

Mix all ingredients together.

Use as;

Topping on sourdough toast (great breakfast choice)

Filling in an omelette

Accompaniment (for fish, chicken or steak)

Entertaining (serve as a dip with rice crackers)

Wrap it (wholegrain wrap for lunch/dinner, add protein of choice and fresh spinach)